Launching a Business on a Shoestring Budget
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This weekend I was reading about how creative entrepreneurs were launching and building businesses in this digital economy.
While it's no walk in the park, there are many benefits to starting your own business.
For some it's a way to earn extra money while using their talents. Others may be hoping to transition into a full-time career, giving them more control and freedom.
Free Business Tools to Launch Your Business
Starting your own business, even from home, means investing time, talent, and often money.
The good news is you don't have to have a large budget to launch your business.
There are plenty of free and powerful tools out there to help you create the content you want and keep your finances squared away.
Here are a few you can try out.
Websites:
- WordPress: I use it for all of my sites. It's easy to set up and install.
- Templated: Can't afford a professional designer right now? Over free 800 CSS and HTML5 site templates are available give your business a polished and professional look.
Graphics/Writing:
- Canva: Free graphics design tool to help makes your site stand out.
- Hemingway: Hemingway helps you improve the quality of your writing.
- Pexels: Grab free stock photos for your site.
Business Finances:
- Slimvoice: Free invoice creator you can send to clients.
- Free Purchase Order Template : Keep things organized with this easy to use template.
- Paypal: If you sell online, Paypal can handle most transactions quickly.
- Square: A wonderful and affordable payment service for small businesses.
Business and Content Resources to Help You Grow
While these aren't free, these resources offer a lot of bang for your buck.
- Lynda: Fantastic resource for those who want to hone and master new skills. For $25/month you have access to thousands of courses in graphic design, web development, business, and photography, and more. (My full review here)
- CreativeLive: Provides free and paid online classes covering photography, video, audio, and more to help you start and build your business.
- Creative Market: Get professional design content (photos, fonts, graphics, themes) at affordable prices.
I'd also recommend taking advantage of your local library to grab some books to brush up on things and free classes they may offer.
Thoughts on Launching a Business
I shared my favorite sites and tools; I'd love to hear from you now.
Have you already launched your business? What tools and resources do you use to run it? How are you looking to expand?
